A Texas company wants to build a 1,100-mile pipeline that would cut diagonally across Iowa from northwest to southeast and carry millions of gallons of crude oil a day extracted from western North Dakota’s oil fields

Texas company proposes oil pipeline through Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Texas company wants to build a 1,100-mile pipeline that would cut diagonally across Iowa from northwest to southeast and carry millions of gallons of crude oil a day extracted from western North Dakota’s oil fields.

Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP said the proposed 30-inch diameter pipeline would initially have the capacity to carry 13 million gallons daily but that could be increased. The company said in a statement it is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to reduce the reliance on truck and rail transportation.

The company said wants to have the pipeline in service by the end of 2016. Its board has approved the pipeline, and the company has begun ordering steel and negotiating construction contracts.

The Iowa Utilities Board, which has regulatory oversight of pipeline projects, has not received the required petitions from the company. Those are necessary to begin a formal permit review process, spokesman Rob Hillesland said.

Environmental groups stated their opposition to the new plan on Thursday.

“Any attempt to build an oil and natural gas pipeline in Iowa will be met with resistance,” said Garry Larsen, a farmer from Exira and member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, which focuses on social and environmental issues.